By Precious Kenney
The Scene staff
Fall is a favorite time of year for many St. Louisans.
The leaves are colorful, the weather is cool, Halloween is a fun holiday and it’s the last break before Mariah Carey starts singing, “All I Want for Christmas is You.”
But fall can be a stressful time for Forest Park students due to classes, homework, jobs and upcoming final exams.
That means they’re looking for ways to unwind and enjoy themselves with family, friends or a date. Here are a few possibilities that are free or cheap and close to campus:
Stargazing
The St. Louis Astronomical Society will allow people to use their telescopes to view the moon, planets and stars from 6 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 21, at the West End Picnic Site and Stone Shelter in Tower Grove Park.
You can bring your own equipment if you have it. This event is ideal for those eager to learn about the solar system.
How much? Free.
How far from campus? 8-minute drive.
Bird Walk
Representatives of the St. Louis Audubon Society will share their knowledge of nature, birds and other wildlife in Forest Park by leading a walk from 8 to 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 4.
Registration is required at stlouisaudubon.org. Meet at the Dennis and Judith Jones Visitor & Education Center, 5595 Grand Drive.
How much? Free.
How far from campus? 7-minute drive.
Howl-o-ween party
Want to bring your furry friend to a Halloween party? You can check out the Howl-O-Ween Party from 5 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 27, at Bar K, a “dog bar” at 4465 McRee Ave.
The party will include free samples and treats, spooky decorations, a haunted room and photo opportunities.
Don’t forget to sign up for the costume contest with categories for Best Dog Costume, Best Human Costume and Best Human/Dog Combo Costumes.
How much? Free for humans; $10 for humans with dog.
How far from campus? 4-minute drive.
Fashion and art
A museum is the perfect place to hang out when the weather turns chilly. The St. Louis Art Museum is hosting SLAM Underground Drip to celebrate fashion, brands and adornment related to exhibitions on hip-hop and Nigerian prestige cloth.
The event will be held from 7 to 10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 27, at the museum, 1 Fine Arts Drive in Forest Park.
How much? Free How far from campus? 8-minute drive.
Central West End party
The annual Central West End neighborhood Halloween party is legendary. This year, it will be held from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 28, at the intersection of Maryland Plaza and Euclid Avenue.
All ages are welcomed during the day, and when the sun goes down, things get even more exciting with an adults-only bash. There will be a costume contest with cash prizes and other goodies up for grabs.
How much? Free.
How far from campus? 7-minute drive.
Chocolate factory tour
Have you been craving candy recently?
Tours of the Chocolate Chocolate Chocolate Co. factory at 5025 Pattison Ave. are available five days a week.
You can explore the factory floor, see chocolates made right before your eyes and enjoy free samples from the kitchen. Hours are 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
How much? Free.
How far from campus? 3-minute drive.
Benton Park tour
This historic walking tour of Benton Park focuses on the darker side of the neighborhood’s history. It includes historical houses, such as Jacob Kern’s mansion built in 1865, and Benton Park itself (one of the area’s first cemeteries).
The tour will take place from 5 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 28, beginning at 3100 S. Jefferson Ave.
How much? $15 per person.
How far from campus? 9-minute drive.
Music and art
You can surround yourself with St. Louis artists and musicians while supporting local talent at the Music and Art Exhibition at Platypus. It will include the work of eight artists, five bands playing a variety of sounds and a DJ set.
The exhibition begins at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 28, at Platypus, 4501 Manchester Ave. Halloween-inspired outfits are encouraged.
How much? Free (drink purchases not included).
How far from campus? 3-minute drive.
Yoga in the park
With final exams around the corner, it’s important to find ways to relax. An outdoor yoga class at Tower Grove Park will include guided meditation and beginner-friendly yoga with pose modifications and a peaceful sound bath.
The class will run from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 30, at 4378 Northwest Drive. Bring a yoga mat, pillow, blanket and bolster and wear your most comfortable shoes.
How much? Free.
How far from campus? 7-minute drive.
Cemetery tour
People can test their ghost-hunting skills with a two-hour, two-mile tour of historic Bellefontaine Cemetery at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 31.
A master guide will showcase the changing fall colors and explore 170 years of cemetery history. More than 9,000 trees span the property, including a former state champion shingle oak over 100 feet tall.
Registration is requested in advance. Visit https://bellefontainecemetery.org/events/.
How much? Free.
How far from campus? 15-minute drive.